Before today, there seemed to be no madman who would dare to instruct an envoy from another country at a diplomatic occasion, saying they do not like others to be late.
However, a few envoys from the Poplar Kingdom really did, after being overwhelmed by technology all along the way, subconsciously nod their heads as if it were only natural.
When they, like country bumpkins who had never seen the world, were escorted to their rooms by a waiter who seemed more like a noble than they were, they were completely overpowered by this modern shockwave.
"This thing is called an electric light! You just turn on this switch, and the whole room will light up! Yes, you can try it." The waiter seemed to have not instructed a hotel guest on how to use an electric light for a long time, because many people who come to Brunas are already familiar with it.
In this place that seems to belong to another world altogether, everyone has grown accustomed to the light. No one remembers any longer the oppressive nights spent under the gas lamps.
The light here comes too easily, as if the gods of light themselves reside here. When the third elf tried the switch, they finally realized from the waiter's disdainful look that they were doing something incredibly stupid.
"Uh... I apologize... My apologies, indeed." Fitteral apologistically said to the waiter with some timidity.
For the first time, he truly showed such a humble attitude towards a servant. It was not because he was well-mannered, but because he had shown fear first...
In his eyes, this experienced waiter was far more formidable than any of his highfalutin friends.
For example, now, after politely suggesting they not worry about it, he introduced them to the ceiling fan above and explained in detail how to use it.This thing was definitely a rarity; nowhere else could it be found. When it started spinning, the elves who had come from afar were stunned.
They had never seen such advanced technology and even suspected that it could fall while spinning, becoming a terrifying weapon.
"If you need anything, you can press this switch to call for us; if there's nothing else, I shall take my leave." The waiter bowed slightly, with utmost respect and satisfaction in his performance.
When the door closed, all the elves finally relaxed, completely unaware that a hotel could be this luxurious.
The sofas here seemed much more upscale than those they had seen elsewhere, and the nobility guests they saw in the corridors could easily be considered the most respectable people they had ever encountered.
Treatment worthy of a king, they excitedly thought, then naturally began discussing strategies for the next day.
"Shall we try to keep the repayable Gold Coins within... within 200,000?" The deputy envoy tentatively started to suggest.
"200,000 Gold Coins? You must be joking; if we could reduce it to within 300,000 Gold Coins, that would consider us having an advantage." Fitteral said with a face full of dismay.
If the other party truly operated at this level, then their previous judgments seemed to have all been incorrect.
The other party was not concerned about those 100,000 Gold Coins; they were likely ready to use that sum as an excuse to escalate the war for greater benefits.
Clearly, if they truly possessed such strength, then their appetite would surely not be small. How could a body as vast as a blue whale be satisfied with just one roast chicken for a meal?
"Do you think... the other party will make an exorbitant demand?" The deputy's complexion turned sour as he looked towards the other and asked.
"What do you think? If you were them, would you only demand we return 100,000 Gold Coins?" Fitteral likewise asked with an equally troubled look on his face.
"No matter what, we cannot give ground in other areas!" Concerned that the Great Tang Group might come up with some excessive requests, the deputy immediately objected.
"Of course, we must stand firm, but... the question now is, how much can we concede?" Fitteral said to his deputy envoy.
"This... 250,000 Gold Coins, I think… is already the biggest concession we can make," the deputy pondered and finally proposed a number he thought was reasonable. ŘÃꞐǒВƐš
After all, the larger that number, the more it represented the folly of the Augustin Clan's decision to delay payment in the past.
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They still needed to give some face to the Marquis. Thinking this, Fitteral, who had initially wanted to suggest 500,000, ultimately compromised: "Then let's negotiate for 300,000 and see if they can accept such compensation."
In truth, he was still very apprehensive because he was acutely aware of what 100,000 Gold Coins meant to the Tang Group a year ago.
If they had had those 100,000 Gold Coins a year earlier, the Brunas they were seeing now would perhaps have been built even better. For a power like the Tang Group that rose rapidly, time was indeed the most precious thing.
Harry, removing his face from the tubular listening tube on the other side of the wall, curled his lips in contempt: "Continue monitoring."
After he finished speaking, a man took his place, listening and preparing to record everything he heard.
Even in Brunas, rooms with electric fans and lights were scarce, and this particular room was reserved for the "target" to dwell in.
It had been specially designed with hidden conduits in the walls and floors to facilitate the transmission of sound, making it easier for the surveillance personnel in the adjacent room to gather intelligence.
The entire room was ingeniously and practically designed, utilizing acoustic principles. The person living in it would never suspect that right next door, a group of people were spying on their every move.
"They truly lack imagination, thinking they can fob us off with 300,000 Gold Coin... What a joke... That's barely enough for beggars," Harry said as he walked out, speaking to the tall man beside him.
This man was the bartender from the Silver Fox Tavern, who still went by the title of bartender, although he no longer stood behind the bar mixing drinks. He now controlled a massive entity known as the Silver Fox Company.
"Now that we know their bottom line, let's play along with them tomorrow," Harry said with a cruel smile on his face, like a tiger eying a lamb headed for slaughter.
"If they go out tonight, I will have people follow them and then show them the power of Silver Fox," the bartender said, following Harry and laughing.
His voice was deep and matched his imposing build. Dressed in a sharp suit, he emanated an unprecedented sense of oppression.
"Fine, let's have them run around like headless chickens," Harry nodded. "No need for further courtesies! I'm the junior here."
"It's only proper to see you out, after all, this is my turf," the bartender insisted on walking Harry to the door and watched him get into the car before turning to leave.
Upon returning to the hotel lobby, he said to his entourage, "If they are willing, let them have a look at the casino... They can borrow as much as they want, it doesn't matter."
"Understood," his subordinate nodded slightly, a smile spreading across his face.
...
"I... just saw a place over there bright with lights..." As night fell, an Elf finally grew restless and bored, stood up, and looked at his companions, "Shall we? Go for a walk?"
The night here was simply too beautiful, with neon lights everywhere, the colorful illumination enlivening the entire night, the air thick with the scent of temptation.
To be frank, none of the people here had ever witnessed such a dazzling night. They had never experienced such an enticing night either.
"Perhaps... we should go out... for a walk?" The deputy envoy was also tempted, curious about how wonderful the night could truly be.
"You all go ahead. I need to organize my thoughts since we have important negotiations tomorrow," Sir Fitteral, the head of the delegation, gestured with his hand, indicating he preferred not to go.
He needed to save his energy for the negotiations the following day. As a special envoy, he had to set a good example and attend to serious matters first.
Hearing his words, the deputy envoy had no choice but to suppress his restlessness and settled back into his seat. "Never mind, you go ahead! See what the excitement is about, and after the negotiations, Sir Fitteral and I will join you for a look."
"Yes! We understand!" Several Guards and staff members immediately perked up and left the room, leaving behind two unfortunate souls to stay and ensure the safety of the envoys.
Soon, these Elves from the wandering delegation met their new friends on the streets and together they headed to the casino.
After that... they discovered the games here were completely different from what they were used to, and utterly entertaining.
They took out Gold Coin to exchange for chips and then bet wildly. The lucky ones won seven times in a row, and their pockets fattened with more than double the Gold Coin they started with!
Caught up in the excitement, the Elves continued to ride their winning streak. In less than an hour, they had gambled away their gold watches, necklaces, and rings.
Then, as if possessed, they borrowed 200 Gold Coin, which also vanished on the casino tables.
By the time these Elves came to their senses, each of them owed an average of about 70 Gold Coin in debt... which was no small sum.
The casino staff were very polite, allowing them to leave after confirming their delegation member status. But the Elves were very uneasy as they knew soon the special envoys would find out about their debts...
After all, the casino was in the business to make money, and their security staff was very experienced in debt collection...
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